Landowners in talks over MRT project

(Published in the Star Newspaper 6th April 2012, page 10)

By M. MAGESWARI

Counsel: Parties hoping to reach a settlement

KUALA LUMPUR: Two landowners are negotiating a settlement with the developers of the multi-billion ringgit Klang Valley mass rapid transit (MRT) project over the acquisition of their land here.

Mayland Century Sdn Bhd and Spirit Domain Sdn Bhd, the registered owners of the land, applied to the High Court for leave for judicial review yesterday.

In its application, Mayland Century is seeking to quash the declaration of the Federal Territory Lands and Mines director in respect of the intended acquisition of 1,492sq metre of their land in mukim Petaling here for the project that will be carried out by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).

In its application, Spirit Domain wants an order to quash the decision of the same Lands and Mines director seeking to acquire a few lots of land, each covering 199sq metre.

High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Justice Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim set May 21 for mention after meeting the parties in chambers.

Speaking to reporters later, Senior Federal Counsel Noor Hisham Ismail said the two landowners were currently negotiating with MRT Corp for a possible settlement.

“Both sides (the landowners and MRT Corp) are looking into reaching an amicable settlement,” Noor Hisham said.

In their court papers filed on Feb 20, Mayland Century asked for the land acquisition proceedings to be stayed pending disposal of the application.

Mayland Century stated that the Lands and Mines director, in making the declaration to acquire the lands, had acted without sufficient ground, unfairly and contrary to the rules of natural justice.

Mayland Century named the director and the Federal Territory land administrator as respondents.

In the application filed by Spirit Domain, also on Feb 20, the company named the FT Lands and Mines director, the Government and MRT Corp as respondents.

Alternatively, Spirit Domain wants the court to issue an order declaring that the decision to acquire the lands is null and void and of no effect.